Fearless,
Determined,
Prepared
Determined,
Prepared
$1,500,000Wrongful Death Case
$850,000Construction Accident
$720,000Police Excessive Force Case
$350,000Employment Discrimination Case
Protecting Civil Rights. Holding Power Accountable.
Serving clients throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley.
Sykes & Associates is a New York civil rights litigation firm representing individuals whose constitutional and legal rights have been violated by law enforcement, employers, and other powerful institutions. The firm focuses on holding government actors and employers accountable when misconduct, discrimination, or negligence results in serious harm.
Our practice focuses on three core areas:
Police Misconduct
Civil rights claims involving false arrest, excessive force, unlawful entry, malicious prosecution, and other constitutional violations by law enforcement.
Employment Discrimination
Representation of employees subjected to unlawful discrimination, retaliation, or failure to accommodate disabilities in the workplace.
Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury
Serious injury and wrongful death cases arising from negligence, abuse of authority, or dangerous conditions that cause devastating harm.
These matters often involve complex litigation and require careful investigation, strategic advocacy, and trial-ready representation. Our firm approaches every case with disciplined legal analysis and a commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of those we represent.
If you believe your rights have been violated or you have suffered serious harm due to misconduct or negligence, you may request a confidential case evaluation.
Civil Rights Litigation Experience
Sykes & Associates represents individuals in complex civil rights litigation involving police misconduct, employment discrimination, and catastrophic injury. For more than 15 years, the practice has litigated complex cases in federal and state courts against law enforcement agencies, government entities, and employers.
Through settlements and verdicts, our clients have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injuries, lost wages, and violations of civil rights.
Learn More About Our Litigation Experience
Learn More About Civil Rights Lawsuits in New York
15+ Years Litigation Experience | Millions Recovered
Federal Civil Rights Litigation | Trial-Ready Representation
Why Clients Choose Sykes & Associates
Civil rights and catastrophic injury cases often involve powerful institutions, complex legal issues, and significant personal stakes. Effective representation requires careful investigation, disciplined legal strategy, and the willingness to pursue accountability when serious harm occurs.
Clients turn to Sykes & Associates for:
- Civil rights litigation experience handling claims against law enforcement agencies, government entities, and employers.
- Trial-ready representation built on careful preparation and strategic advocacy in federal and state courts.
- Selective case intake, allowing the firm to focus on serious civil rights and catastrophic injury matters.
- Direct attorney involvement, with clients communicating directly with the lawyer responsible for their case.
- Contingency-based representation in qualifying cases, meaning no attorney’s fee is owed unless a recovery is obtained.
This approach allows the firm to provide focused representation while pursuing meaningful accountability when individuals suffer harm due to misconduct, discrimination, or abuse of authority.
Types of Civil Rights Cases We Handle:
- False Arrest
- Excessive Force
- Malicious Prosecution
- Wrongful Convictions
- Workplace Retaliation
- Disability Discrimination
- Hostile Work Environment
- Catastrophic Injury
- In-Custody Deaths
- Your Rights & Remedies
Civil rights laws provide remedies when individuals are harmed by misconduct, discrimination, or abuse of authority. When legal protections are violated, individuals may pursue claims seeking accountability and compensation through the civil justice system.
Depending on the circumstances, courts may award damages for injuries, lost wages, emotional distress, and other losses, and in some cases may order institutions to change unlawful practices.
Individuals seeking to better understand their legal rights may explore the firm’s Rights & Remedies articles, which address common issues arising in civil rights and employment litigation.
Do You Have a Case?
Civil rights claims often arise when individuals suffer serious harm because government officials, employers, or other institutions violate legal protections. Not every dispute or unfortunate event gives rise to a legal claim or constitutional violation.
Potential cases often involve:
- unlawful arrests or excessive force by law enforcement
- workplace discrimination or retaliation
- severe injuries or wrongful death caused by negligence
- evidence supporting the violation, such as documentation, witnesses, or video
A confidential case evaluation can help determine whether your situation may give rise to a viable legal claim.
About Our Firm and Team
Welcome to Sykes & Associates, where our mission is to provide exceptional legal representation with a personal touch. Based in New York, our firm proudly serves clients throughout the tri-state area and the Hudson Valley. We specialize in personal injury and civil rights cases, advocating for justice and fair compensation for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
A civil rights case may exist when a government official, law enforcement officer, or employer violates legally protected rights and causes harm. Common examples include unlawful arrests, excessive force, workplace discrimination, or retaliation. Whether a claim exists depends on the specific facts, available evidence, and applicable law. A case evaluation can help determine whether your situation may give rise to a legal claim.
The value of a civil rights case depends on factors such as the nature of the violation, severity of injuries, impact on the individual, and available evidence. No two cases are the same, albeit striking similarities may exist. Damages may include compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of liberty, lost wages, and other harms. Plaintiffs bear the burden of presenting evidence to support their claims and prove the extent of their damages.
Many civil rights and catastrophic injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning no attorney’s fee is owed unless a recovery is obtained. Whether a case qualifies--contingency and/or flat-fee--depends on the facts and available evidence.
Client Reviews
I needed an attorney to help me recover unpaid wages from an employer. I did not know where to start, so I did a Google...
He is a honest, very professional and hard working lawyer. I liked his empathy with my problem. He helped me to understand my...
I appreciate how reliable and hardworking Mr. Sykes was throughout the duration of my case. I didn’t have much hope in the...
Thanks to Sykes & Associates, I received the compensation I needed to cover my medical expenses and support my family. They...
I couldn't have asked for a better legal team. They truly cared about my case and fought hard to ensure I was treated fairly...
The attorneys at Sykes & Associates are true advocates for justice. They stood by me every step of the way and ensured my...
Mr. Sykes fought for my rights in federal court when no one else would. Yes, I consulted with about five different law firms...
Our Videos
Our Offices
New York Office
2248 Broadway, Suite 1192
By Appointment ONLY
By Appointment ONLY
New York, NY 10024
Litigation Blog
Under the PLRA, prisoners must complete the internal complaint process before filing a lawsuit in Federal Court. April 21, 2025 Sykes & Associates Law Firm A federal lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 allows prisoners to sue state or local officials for constitutional violations. However, incarcerated...
Navigating Employment Discrimination Laws: Unveiling the Equal Pay Act’s Impact and Protections. August 16, 2023 Sykes & Associates Law Firm Introduction: In today’s workforce landscape, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities for all employees is paramount. Employment...
Navigating Asset Forfeiture: A Comprehensive Guide and How Law Firms Can Help August 6, 2023 Sykes & Associates Law Firm Explore the intricate world of asset forfeiture – a legal process where the U.S. Government seizes assets linked to criminal activities. Designed to...
Get in Touch
- 1 Free Consultation
- 2 Decades of Experience
- 3 We Fight for You
Fill out the contact form or call us at (845) 535-4023 to book a free consultation.
Civil Rights FAQs New York
Do I Have A Civil Rights Case?
A civil rights case may exist when a government official, law enforcement officer, or employer violates legally protected rights and causes harm. Common examples include unlawful arrests, excessive force, workplace discrimination, or retaliation. Whether a claim exists depends on the specific facts, available evidence, and applicable law. A case evaluation can help determine whether your situation may give rise to a legal claim.
In certain circumstances, individuals may bring civil rights claims against law enforcement officers and, in some cases, municipalities. These claims are often brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 when constitutional rights are violated. Common claims include false arrest, excessive force, unlawful searches, and malicious prosecution. The viability of a claim depends on the facts and applicable legal standards.
The value of a civil rights case depends on factors such as the nature of the violation, severity of injuries, impact on the individual, and available evidence. No two cases are the same, albeit striking similarities may exist. Damages may include compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, loss of liberty, lost wages, and other harms. Plaintiffs bear the burden of presenting evidence to support their claims and prove the extent of their damages.
Many civil rights and catastrophic injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning no attorney’s fee is owed unless a recovery is obtained. Whether a case qualifies--contingency and/or flat-fee--depends on the facts and available evidence.
In New York, many federal civil rights claims must generally be filed within three years of the incident. However, claims involving government entities or employment discrimination may involve shorter deadlines and procedures. It is important to seek legal guidance promptly!